Typhoon Francisco to hit Busan and nearby areas

The season’s 8th typhoon Francisco is approaching the Korean
Peninsula from the south.

Hyungjin Ro has details.

The record-breaking heat
wave continued in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province while the small-scale Typhoon
Francisco landed on the country's southern coast.

Heat wave warnings have
been in effect for several days in Gwangju and 22 cities and counties in the
South Jeolla regions. The mercury went as high as 40 degrees Celsius in some
parts of the nation, making it some of the the hottest days of the season so
far.

The KMA (Korea
Meteorological Administration) said the eighth typhoon of the season has been weakened
by relatively lower water temperatures in the ocean and friction from land
areas. The typhoon, which will bring heavy rain and strong winds, is expected
to help ease the sweltering heat.

The typhoon is now passing
through Busan and nearby Geoje Island. More than 200 millimeters of rain is
forecast for the southern coast and the eastern coast of Gangwon Province,
while Seoul and other provinces including Jeolla will receive 10 to 60
millimeters of precipitation.

The typhoon is expected to
dissipate in Andong of South Gyeongsang Province by tomorrow.

The season's ninth
typhoon, Lekima, is also currently making its way toward the Korean Peninsula
and could develop into a super typhoon. However, experts forecast it will
likely change its direction to Japan or Taiwan instead. The KMA are monitoring
the situation.